Chiang Mai Elephant Sanctuary, Bamboo Rafting and Waterfall Tour
Overview
Available languages
8 hours
Mobile ticket
Experience a day of fun and adventure in Chiang Mai with a tour that includes a waterfall, an ethical elephant sanctuary, and bamboo rafting.
Your day begins at Bau Tong Waterfall where it allows visitors to climb barefoot—an exciting and rare experiences. Take in the serene natural surroundings, breathtaking views, and refreshing mountain air.
Next, visit Elephant Sanctuary, a sanctuary where elephants roam freely in a natural forest environment. Here, you’ll quietly observe these gentle giants as they go about their daily routines in peace. We respect their freedom by avoiding any riding or direct interaction, choosing instead to walk alongside them and witness their lives in a natural and ethical setting.
The final, enjoy a scenic bamboo rafting experience as you float down the river, surrounded by lush landscapes and tranquil beauty.
Additional Info
Wheelchair accessible
Public transportation options are available nearby
Specialized infant seats are available
Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
What To Expect
Bua Thong Waterfalls (Nam Phu Chet Si)
We will head directly to the Bua Tong waterfall, which is about an 80-minute drive. We will spend around an hour there to relax and enjoy the beautiful surroundings. Explore to experience the natural adventure at Bua Tong Waterfall to breathe in the fresh mountain air and enjoy the calming sounds of the waterfall. Next, we will go to the elephant sanctuary, and it takes 40 for drive.
After waterfall, we will be heading to elephant sanctuary, which is about 40 minutes away. Elephant Sanctuary is an elephant conservation park located in the scenic Mae Tang Valley, just an hour’s drive from Chiang Mai. During the COVID-19 pandemic, we transitioned into a conservation-focused sanctuary. Our herd of 16 elephants thrives in a stress-free environment, where they spend their days eating, playing, and enjoying natural behaviors without the pressures of rides or shows.
Options
Join Tour
Duration: 8 hours Van Transfer service.: Chiang Mai Elephant Sanctuary, Bamboo Rafting and Waterfall Tour Please provide your address so we can pick you up. Pickup included
What‘s Included
Entrance fee
Lunch
Shopping or Souvenir
Pickup points
Select a pickup point
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Reviews
1,249 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Elephants are worth it!
98kevinmm,Jun 14, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Nathan was a wonderful tour guide. The experience was better than expected. I highly recommend. It does take the full day but worth it.
Three activities in one:...
Nancy J,Jun 13, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Three activities in one: peaceful ride on a narrow bamboo float down a slow-moving river; educational experience and close interaction with elephants both penned and free roaming, to include food preparation and feeding; visit to Sticky Falls which were really sticky, however, more challenging than this 70 yr couple wanted to try. Stairs up and down were also a bit challenging. All-in-all a great day trip!!
Great elephants
L7990KN ,Jun 13, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00The tour guide Yabel was really entertaining and speaks excellent Chinese, so everyone could easily understand her. The whole trip was relaxing, enjoyable and packed with great activities. We also saw lots of elephants. I would recommend this place to my friends if they come here.
Fluke was a great guide....
Bailey S,Jun 13, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Fluke was a great guide. The stinky waterfall was very cool. The elephants were incredible. You can tell they are safe, happy, and well cared for.
Best day in Chiang Mai
Shannon E,Jun 13, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00We loved our visit to the sticky waterfall and ethical sanctuary with our tour guide Fluke. Fluke was friendly, had great communication prior to pick up and during the tour and he told us everything we needed to know to have the best experience with the elephants. He also took photos for us. The waterfalls were so cool! And spending time with the elephants couldn’t have been better. We had plenty of time there and didn’t feel rushed. This was a very memorable experience.
10/10 - A must do in Chiang Mai
Hannah D,Jun 13, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We have spent two weeks travelling Thailand doing militant levels of day trips so as to see as much as possible, so I can say with confidence that this is one of the best day trips Thailand has to offer (although do try to get a trip to Cheow Lan Lake in Khao Sok National park as well). Our guide Fluke could not have looked after us better, he was witty and informative and kind and made us feel so valued. The itinerary of the day was also excellent, ticking off some of the must do's when in Chiang Mai. The sticky waterfall is very good fun and ofcourse, the elephants. The sanctuary is for retired and rescued elephants and ethically is the only right way to meet these beauties. But don't think you won't get to get up close and personal, for a stick of sugar cane these ladies are all yours. 10/10 tour and a must do in Chiang Mai.
The best day tour and experience
W3758CPannet,Jun 13, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We had a wonderful day with our tour guide, Poppy. He paced the entire tour perfectly, ensuring that everyone was comfortable and able to enjoy each activity without feeling rushed. Throughout the day, he shared fascinating information about the elephants and the history, culture, and local life in Chiang Mai, which made the experience even more meaningful. What truly stood out was his enthusiasm and dedication. He climbed the Sticky Waterfall with us, making the experience more fun and memorable, and he went above and beyond by taking many fantastic photos for our family. Thanks to Poppy, we not only enjoyed the sights but also came home with wonderful memories captured in beautiful pictures. We highly recommend Poppy to anyone visiting Chiang Mai. His knowledge, friendliness, and genuine care for his guests made our tour exceptional. Thank you, Poppy, for an unforgettable day!
Elephants, Rafting, Waterfalls-Oh my!!!
nancyjG7506QA,Jun 12, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00It was an amazing experience that lived up to the hype. Our guide Yabel was so much fun and anxious to make our day enjoyable. She encouraged questions and provided answers. She also took photos and shared them with us. We highly recommend this trip as it combined three must-do activities in a full day.
Tour w/ Beautiful Amy! Amazing Experience 10/10!!
NorthStar40992650216,Jun 12, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Beautiful Amy was our tour guide and she was amazing the whole time! Got us waters and food and also took our pictures! She was so energetic that it made the vibes for the excursion even better! Pickup was smooth and ontime and price was worth if for being all day and doing 3 different activites. Loved having her as our guide and definitely request her if you go on this excursion!!! 😊😊 From the US 🇺🇸
Perfect day trip around Chiang Mai
418chlo s,Jun 12, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Amazing day with our guide Yabel !! Everything was well organized (from the pick up to the drop off). We were a small group !! I recomand this day trip, for sure !
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